Title and Board Action Requested
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Approve the Renewal and Purchase of Canvas-Instructure District License for Grades 3-12 and Authorize the Issuance of a Purchase Order for an Estimated Amount of $158,255.00
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Executive Summary
The Supervisor of Instructional Technology, on behalf of the Superintendent of Schools, hereby requests the Board to approve the renewal of Canvass-LMS from Instructure District License for grades 3-12. This investment aims to maintain a dedicated Learning Management System (LMS) for all content areas within our district.
Canvas LMS is a web-based learning management system designed to enhance educational experiences by providing a versatile platform for managing course materials, assignments, and communication. While Canvas facilitates online learning, it does not mean students are on computers all day. Instead, Canvas supports a blended learning approach, where digital tools complement traditional teaching methods. Canvas LMS is designed to support diverse teaching strategies, ensuring that learning can happen both online and offline, enhancing overall educational outcomes.
The ongoing implementation of Canvas-LMS ensures that students benefit from seamless access to learning resources, maintaining instructional continuity regardless of their location. They will have the capability to submit various types of assignments and receive timely feedback from teachers, thereby enhancing the teaching and learning experience.
Furthermore, teachers will maintain access to advanced tools such as “SpeedGrader” for efficient grading and feedback, grade “passback” to Skyward, and robust analytics tools to pinpoint areas of concern. By centralizing curriculum and resources, Canvas-LMS integrates publisher online offerings and other district-adopted instructional technology applications, including Nearpod, Seesaw, Savvas, McGraw Hill, and Microsoft 365, simplifying student access to educational materials. The implementation of Canvas-LMS also strengthens the K-20 education continuum. As the preferred learning management system in higher education, it creates a familiar and consistent learning environment for students transitioning from K-12.
Beyond classroom use, Canvas-LMS is utilized by various departments to facilitate professional learning and ensure compliance with employee requirements throughout the district. Moreover, it enhances educational transparency by allowing assignments but also the actual submissions and teacher feedback, enabling them to monitor their children’s academic progress effectively.
The proposed one-year District License comes at a cost of $158,255.00, with Hernando eSchool contributing $37,915.00 for eSchool-specific features and Title II contributing $8,800.00 for staff Training Portal. After adjustments, the total cost funded through Technology Millage will be $111,540.00. Technology Millage depends on the continued collection of this revenue stream. In the event of changes or discontinuation of the Millage, alternative funding avenues will be explored.
This continued investment in Canvas-LMS represents a comprehensive solution to enhance teaching and learning outcomes across our district, fostering a more streamlined and effective educational experience for all stakeholders. A comprehensive Implementation Report is included with this renewal proposal.
My Contact
Jesse Diaz
Supervisor of Instructional Technology
352-797-7000 ext. 150
diaz_j@hcsb.k12.fl.us
2023-28 Strategic Focus Area
Priority 1: Student Success
Financial Impact
See attached budget sheet.
If expenditure is not currently budgeted, this will serve as the budget amendment when Board approved. If the agenda item includes the purchase of goods or services, the funds requested are an anticipated amount and may fluctuate depending on such factors as current market conditions, product availability, additional funding sources, and the needs of the District. Should the actual cost exceed the anticipated amount, the Board approves the additional cost, after review by the superintendent, but not in excess of the funds available in the site’s approved annual budget.